Earlier in the day, on ESPN Radio's "Michael Kay Show," the 39-year-old former Yankee, who has not officially retired, made a plea to his former team: "I would have tons of interest to go to New York."

The Yankees, with Curtis Granderson out 10 weeks, have a need in the outfield, but it's for a righthanded hitter, not a lefty like Damon.

"But I just don't think they would be interested," he said. "I'm not exactly sure what happened over the years or something. They have had plenty of opportunities and I kept raising my hand, wanting to go back, and, you know, hopefully it would be a perfect fit. It always had been. Have me for six weeks and then send me off on my merry way."